WEST CHESTER, PA – The Mercyhurst women's lacrosse team kicked off their 2022 season on Sunday afternoon on the road against the Rams of West Chester University. 

In the first quarter, Rachel Hirst scored the first goal of the game just 25 seconds after the opening whistle to put the Lakers up early. Following Hirst's goal, the Rams then rattled off seven straight goals with the final one coming at the 7:32 mark in the second quarter. The Lakers did manage to tack on the final goal of the half courtesy of freshman Amanda Bailey to make the score 7-2 after two quarters of action.

As the second half began, Victoria Gottorff scored the first tally of the second half, cutting the West Chester lead to 7-3. Unfortunately for the Lakers, it was their only score of the quarter as the Rams tacked on two more goals to give them a 9-3 lead going into the final quarter.

Mercyhurst earned additional goals from Gottorff, Molly Meegan, and Maggie Newton in the fourth quarter yet it was not enough for the Lakers as the score was 14-6 in favor of the Rams when the final buzzer sounded. Kaitlyn Lippert started in goal for the Lakers, the senior finished the game with 12 saves.

Up next, Mercyhurst has two games slated for play next week, the first at D'Youville on Wednesday before coming home to Erie on Friday for their home opener against Tiffin.